What is a Draft View Definition?
A draft view definition, in the context of software development, particularly in modeling languages like UML (Unified Modeling Language), refers to a representation of a system or its components that is still under development. It is a preliminary version of a view, which is a specific perspective or aspect of a system.
Key Characteristics of a Draft View Definition:
- Incomplete: Draft views are not yet finalized and may lack some details or elements.
- Iterative: They are likely to be refined and modified as the development process progresses.
- Informal: They often use informal notations or diagrams to convey the initial ideas and concepts.
- Conceptual: They focus on the high-level understanding of the system rather than the implementation details.
Purpose of Draft View Definitions:
- Early Communication: They facilitate early communication and understanding of the system among stakeholders.
- Exploration: They help in exploring different design options and concepts.
- Feedback Gathering: They provide a basis for gathering feedback from users, developers, and other interested parties.
- Foundation for Refinement: They serve as the foundation for creating more detailed and refined views later in the development process.
Examples of Draft View Definitions:
- Class Diagram: A draft class diagram might show the main classes and their relationships, but the attributes and methods may not be fully defined.
- Use Case Diagram: A draft use case diagram could depict the primary actors and their interactions with the system, but the detailed flow of events might not be included.
- Sequence Diagram: A draft sequence diagram could outline the basic sequence of messages between objects, but the specific parameters and return values might be omitted.
Importance of Draft View Definitions:
Draft view definitions play a crucial role in software development by fostering communication, encouraging exploration, and providing a starting point for further refinement. They allow developers to capture and share their initial thoughts and ideas, leading to a more collaborative and iterative development process.